Ride Sharing
The concept of ride sharing has evolved immensely over the last 50 years from its onset – as carpooling served as a way for commuters to circumvent the high gas prices of the 1970s. To the present day, where hipsters and business men alike utilize companies such as Uber, Lyft, and SideCar as an alternative to a crowded and often unreliable public transportation system as well as the price-gouging from taxi drivers.
From my interviews with a part time Uber driver and frequent passengers, the consensus seems to be that real-time ride sharing is the wave of the future and it certainly has gained popularity in the last few years. Within major metropolitan cities worldwide, several start-up companies have taken the initiative to meet the needs of consumers which has changed over the last few decades. Ride sharing is no longer just for commuters, chipping in gas money in a packed sedan traveling to and from work. Instead of settling for a carpool with multiple stops in a cramped car, riders want on-demand service that will get them to their desired location as quickly as possible for less than a cab. Uber drivers have cited an increase in gas prices, delayed public transportation or no direct public transportation route to work, and responsible riders who desire to have a fun night on the town without having to drive as the main reasons why patrons choose these ride sharing companies instead of more traditional means.
The advancement of technology has made it easier to connect to these people and generate brand recognition. Mobile Apps for these companies have simplified the process of hailing a car, selecting the type of car you would like to ride in, seeing how close your ride is to you based on GPS, and stored credit card information as a convenient payment option. Social media websites such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter allow people to share photos and stories of their experience using ride sharing and start a trend. It’s now cool to take Uber to a
From my interviews with a part time Uber driver and frequent passengers, the consensus seems to be that real-time ride sharing is the wave of the future and it certainly has gained popularity in the last few years. Within major metropolitan cities worldwide, several start-up companies have taken the initiative to meet the needs of consumers which has changed over the last few decades. Ride sharing is no longer just for commuters, chipping in gas money in a packed sedan traveling to and from work. Instead of settling for a carpool with multiple stops in a cramped car, riders want on-demand service that will get them to their desired location as quickly as possible for less than a cab. Uber drivers have cited an increase in gas prices, delayed public transportation or no direct public transportation route to work, and responsible riders who desire to have a fun night on the town without having to drive as the main reasons why patrons choose these ride sharing companies instead of more traditional means.
The advancement of technology has made it easier to connect to these people and generate brand recognition. Mobile Apps for these companies have simplified the process of hailing a car, selecting the type of car you would like to ride in, seeing how close your ride is to you based on GPS, and stored credit card information as a convenient payment option. Social media websites such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter allow people to share photos and stories of their experience using ride sharing and start a trend. It’s now cool to take Uber to a